European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP)

#EUClusters: support innovation and foster impactful collaborations by answering the Cluster Connect call for hosts! 🌍 This initiative, part of the Euromed Clusters Forward, involves twinning, matchmaking, and knowledge sharing between a South Mediterranean cluster and EU host organisations. Why take part? ➡ Empower regional value chains and access new markets. ➡ Benefit from knowledge sharing to improve your cluster's strategy. ➡ Build cross-border partnerships with clusters from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia. 💶 EUR16,000 allocated per mission to cover expert support, travel and accommodation, capacity-building sessions, and access to matchmaking and networking events in the Host country. 📅 Deadline to Apply: January 7th, 2025. Read more on the #ECCP ⬇ https://lnkd.in/e9D8XwhP

2024: A Year of Collaboration, Innovation, and Impact for #EUClusters and the #ECCP Community! What an incredible year 2024 has been! Together, we’ve strengthened connections, broken new ground, and showcased the power of #EUClusters. 🤝From Strasbourg to Milan, from Singapore to Montreal and Bengaluru, the ECCP has united people and ideas, inspiring change and collaboration. At 4 Clusters Meet Regions events, we built bridges between clusters and regional stakeholders. At 8 ECCP Matchmaking Events, we created opportunities for cross-sector and cross-border partnerships. Through the Cluster Booster Academy, we delivered tailored training to enhance cluster management, while the #C2Lab Workshop provided a collaborative space to co-create solutions for key challenges. The year’s highlight? The #EUClusterConference 2024, which brought together 700 participants — including SMEs, policymakers, and expert speakers — to explore how clusters are driving Europe’s future in innovation, growth, and sustainability. On the digital side, the #EUClustersTalks series connected over 1,500 attendees with insights from 118 expert speakers, while our knowledge base grew with: ✔️ 56 new country factsheets ✔️ The refreshed Cluster Panorama 2024 ✔️ 6 input papers ✔️ A guide for the green transition Thank you for being part of our mission. Let’s keep building strong clusters and driving innovation together in 2025! #ECCP ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d95TXBJ #ClustersMeetRegions #ECCPMatchmaking

The #EUClustersTalks webinar "State Aid and Clusters: Unlocking Opportunities through GBER" delved into how the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) provides greater flexibility to support innovation clusters across Europe. 🗨 Annie Renders (Head of Unit Cluster Policy & Strategic Relations, Government of Flanders, VLAIO - Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship) emphasised the vital role of clusters in bridging the gap between governments and SMEs: "As a government, we cannot reach out to 400 food companies, but a cluster organisation can bring them together. They are a trusted partner of the companies. That’s why it’s essential for us as a government to collaborate with these cluster organisations." Key takeaways included: 📌 Understanding GBER's Framework: A 50% co-funding requirement fosters shared financial responsibility, while the 10-year limit on aid encourages sustainable and impactful innovation. 📌 Navigating Economic Challenges: Exploring solutions to co-funding difficulties during economic downturns. 📌 Exploring New Opportunities: Unlocking potential in renewable energy and electric vehicle battery cells 🚗⚡ Missed the discussion? Watch the recording to see how GBER is shaping a stronger innovation ecosystem: 🎦 https://lnkd.in/d3hkzEHe

🏖🧳 Apply now for the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)'s call - Upskilling and Reskilling the Tourism Ecosystem I Tourism Knowledge Hub and Tourism Data Space! The call is looking for proposals to: ➡Develop guidelines for using the D3Hub and the future European tourism data space for Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and tourism SMEs. ➡Support the digital and green transitions of SMEs and destinations. ➡Increase access to training and upskilling opportunities for DMOs and tourism SMEs. 💶Budget: 1 M EUR ⏳Deadline: 13 February 2025 Boost resilience in Europe's tourism sector: apply now via the #ECCP👉https://lnkd.in/dDBt8Srz

Reflecting on the #ClustersMeetRegions event in Charleroi, Belgium! 🇧🇪🐓 On the 27th and 28th of November, this workshop brought together regions, clusters, and stakeholders across Europe to explore innovative collaboration and regional development strategies. 🗨️ "Clusters are the bridge builders across Europe, helping create new, more resilient value chains," emphasised Kuba Boratyński, Director of Networks and Governance at DG GROW. Organised by the #ECCP on behalf of the European Commission, EURADA - European Association of Development Agencies, and IGRETEC, the event highlighted Charleroi’s transformation from its industrial roots into a vibrant hub for cleantech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing innovation. 👉Read the full insights article on the #ECCP and learn more about upcoming ECCP events in 2025 ➡ https://lnkd.in/dCz2Zn_S

🌍 Clusters: Inspire your members to transition to a green, circular, and climate-neutral economy! ♻️ The ECCP's Green Transition Guide is here to help clusters drive environmental sustainability and empower local businesses in their green journey. 🌱 Clusters are uniquely positioned to connect SMEs, large companies, universities, and other stakeholders, empowering their members to advance green transition through: 🟢 Facilitating experience sharing & mutual learning 🟢 Organising networking actions & workshops 🟢 Acting as motivators & information hubs 🟢 Engaging in green conferences & events Showcasing best practices from #EUClusters, the guide offers practical steps to navigate the opportunities and challenges companies face as they advance toward making their businesses more sustainable. Support your cluster members in their #GreenTransition journey with the #ECCP: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dijtuczA

🌟 AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace—how can your cluster harness its power to turn innovative ideas into impactful actions? Join us for the 6th edition of the Cluster Collaboration Lab (#C2Lab), where Europe’s top clusters, businesses, and innovators come together to turn ambitious ideas into actionable, impactful projects. 📅 19–20 March 2025 📍 Zaragoza, Spain This edition focuses on #AI and its transformative potential to tackle Europe’s greatest challenges, from achieving Net Zero goals to driving innovation in Healthcare, Smart Cities, and Industrial Transformation. What makes this edition special? ❇️It runs alongside The Wave 2025, Aragon’s flagship digital technologies fair, offering access to cutting-edge tech, thousands of participants, and unparalleled networking opportunities. C2Lab isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. Work hands-on with experts and peers to create projects that align with EU priorities, attract investment, and drive change. 📌Register now #ECCP ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dnH_TAf5

📬 The #ECCP December Newsletter is here! This festive edition is packed with exciting updates and opportunities to close the year on a high note and prepare for an impactful 2025. Here’s what you’ll find: 🔹 A look back at 2024: Celebrating a year of collaboration and innovation within the cluster community 🚀 🔹 New ECCP Green Guide: Practical tools to help clusters take action for a sustainable future 🌱 🔹 EU Industry Days 2025: European Commission’s call for proposals for organising a parallel session 📢 🔹 2025 Preview: A sneak peek at upcoming events and opportunities to drive growth and cooperation 📅 🎄 From all of us at ECCP, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! 🌟 🔖 Happy reading: https://lnkd.in/e8Gg94D9 🔖 Not subscribed yet? Sign up to receive monthly updates straight to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/d2xKpP8D

SMEs in energy-intensive industries: expand your knowledge and skills with the INGENIOUS Eurocluster's Training Grants! 📚 🗓Deadline to apply: 14 February 2025 💶100 grants worth €250 are available to help SMEs stay ahead of the curve and boost competitiveness Applicants can choose from INGENIOUS' pool of experts for training in key topics, including: ⚪Concept creation & development. ⚪Market development & Business strategy. ⚪Internationalisation. Find out more and submit your application via the #ECCP today⤵ https://lnkd.in/epsB8pN8 #EUClusters

💡Empower Your ECCP Journey with Our Drop-In Sessions! These interactive online drop-in sessions are created to support ECCP users at every stage of their journey. Whether you're new to the platform or looking to unlock its full potential, these weekly sessions are here for you. 🗓 When? 19 December, 8:30 – 9:00 CET 🔍 What’s in it for you? ✅ Personalised support from the ECCP team ✅ Expert guidance on using the platform, finding partners, and accessing events ✅ A chance to ask your questions, explore new opportunities, and connect with the ECCP community Join us and make sure to get the most out of your #ECCP user experience ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ezTMSk94 #EUClusters